Center for Personalized Instruction & TRiO

The Center for Personalized Instruction (CPI), located in Suite 1400 of the Academic Building on Madonna University’s Livonia campus, is a student-focused office where resources are readily accessible and student learning is enhanced by improving student success.

Keeping aligned with the Franciscan values of Madonna University, the mission of the Center for Personalized Instruction is to cultivate a supportive learning environment by providing intentional academic support that empowers students to become confident and successful learners.

CPI offers tutoring for Madonna University undergraduate students in a variety of courses each semester at $12 per session. Tutoring involves a one-hour weekly session by appointment with a tutor who excels in a specific area of study. CPI usually employs 30 tutors who are specially trained to help students master course content while improving study skills.

Supplemental Instruction (SI)

While one-on-one tutoring is available, CPI also coordinates the Supplemental Instruction (SI) program, which provides free peer-led small group study sessions on a regular basis for students enrolled in select courses. Sessions are led by students who have previously mastered the course content. During the session, SI leaders help students by integrating the more difficult content of the course with study skills. Students work together in reviewing notes, readings, and strategizing methods to better understand course content. The SI program works to do the following:

To increase retention within targeted historically difficult courses

To improve student grades in targeted historically difficult courses

To increase the graduation rates of students

Additional Resources

In addition to tutoring and SI, CPI will loan Madonna students graphing calculators and resource books and CPI sponsors several success strategy workshops, as well as the walk-in math lab. Each of these resources is available at no additional cost.

Success Strategy Workshops

During the fall and winter semesters CPI presents success strategy workshops focused on topics that promote the intellectual and personal growth of students. Each workshop is designed to provide information, methods, and strategies to help students succeed. All Madonna University students, staff, and faculty are invited to attend at no cost. Workshop topics include the following:

Academic skill building topics

Time management

Career exploration

Graduate school preparation

Study abroad exploration

Math Lab

The Math Lab is a walk-in tutoring support for all Madonna University students, located in the CPI Learning Lab, room 1401. During open hours of the lab, tutors offer assistance for students experiencing difficulty understanding course content in most mathematics courses. Tutors are also available to help students refresh their basic math skills in preparation for taking future courses and certification exams.

TRiO Program

For more than 35 years, the Center for Personalized Instruction has also been home to the Student Support Services TRiO program, a federally grant-funded program designed to increase the college retention and graduation rates of 200 students each year. Eligible participants must be enrolled at Madonna University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree, and meet at least one of the following criteria:

Individuals with a demonstrated financial need (based on federal income guidelines)

First-generation college students

Individuals with a documented disability

TRiO provides a wide range of services to support students both personally and academically:

Click on the TRiO application link, or obtain an application by visiting the Center for Personalized Instruction in room 1400. Applications should be submitted to the CPI as soon as possible, as the number of spaces available is limited. Students will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the program is full.TRiO application